A government investigation into Fiji’s Walesi, or Digital TV project, aimed at enhancing the nation’s broadcasting capabilities, has revealed serious irregularities, including the lack of necessary operational licenses and mismanagement of public resources between 2015 and 2022. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications, Manoa Kamikamica, addressed Parliament, disclosing that approximately 68 percent of the FJ$123 million allocated to the Walesi initiative was squandered, labeling it a “disgraceful squandering of resources.”
The investigation, conducted by auditors, highlighted missing documentation for payments amounting to FJ$9.3 million, raising significant questions about accountability. This gap in documentation hampers efforts to ascertain the actual costs involved or to ensure that funds were utilized appropriately. Additionally, the report found that lucrative contracts, such as a FJ$3.6 million project management agreement, were awarded without competitive bidding or clarity in deliverables.
It was also emphasized that Walesi operated without a strategic framework, contract register, or adequate risk management protocols, placing it outside the purview of Fiji’s Public Enterprises Act. A technical evaluation by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) revealed that the network failed to acquire the necessary operating and spectrum licenses and opted for a Multi-Frequency Network (MFN) instead of the more efficient Single Frequency Network (SFN). This choice resulted in increased operational costs and limited accessibility, especially in rural regions.
Furthermore, the network’s selection of technology was called into question; it used the H.264 codec rather than the globally preferred H.265 codec, leading to over 200,000 set-top boxes being outdated upon distribution, which represents a significant waste of public funds. The results of the investigation will be forwarded to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) for further scrutiny, with Kamikamica stating, “Any evidence of abuse, misrepresentation, or fraudulent activity will be pursued to the fullest extent of the law.”
In response, a reform plan is underway within Walesi to revamp governance frameworks. Key initiatives include revising encryption policies to eliminate connection fees to the digital platform, aligning licensing practices with international standards to mitigate interference with essential services, and establishing a transparent fee structure alongside a review of the Telecommunications Act of Fiji to create revenue streams without taxing citizens.
Opposition MP Faiyaz Koya expressed dissatisfaction over the manner in which the findings were presented, suggesting that it would have been more appropriate to report the matter to FICAC first. Despite the concerns, Koya acknowledged the positive impact of the project, noting that by March 2023, free digital television services reached 90 percent of the Fijian population. Aliki Bia from the Bloc 9 Group also welcomed the report and looked forward to its progression and detailed investigation.
The focus on reform and accountability signifies a critical step toward restoring public trust in government projects, encouraging responsible management of resources, and ensuring that advancements in broadcasting technology ultimately benefit all Fijians. This presents a hopeful opportunity for tangible improvements in governance and service delivery, reflecting a commitment to transparency and efficiency.
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